Keeping Dawkins Should Be a High Priority

As the lockout ends and the wildest week of player movement begins, there are ample reasons why the Broncos should part ways with Brian Dawkins.

His salary, the abundance of young safeties (six with two seasons or less of previous experience, including two second-round picks in Darcel McBath and rookie Rahim Moore), his age (no NFL safety has ever enjoyed an elite season in his 16th year) and a tight salary-cap situation seemingly add up to no room for the fiery leader.

But that would be a mistake.

Dawkins has expressed a willingness to take a pay cut; if he remains amenable, this is the Broncos’ best option, because his experience and guidance is necessary, if not vital for the young defense’s development. One year of Dawkins, even if only used on running downs, could provide a decade’s worth of impact upon Moore, fourth-round pick Quinton Carter, McBath, David Bruton and Kyle McCarthy.

Further, Dawkins’ impact on Von Miller could be immeasurable. It’s not a matter of “if,” but “when” the captain’s C adorns Miller’s jersey. Being around Dawkins can only help him reach his potential as a leader.

If you needed any further evidence of Dawkins’ intangible contributions, look merely at his organization of offseason workouts for himself and his teammates. If the Broncos’ defense appears more fluid and organized than those of other teams, Dawkins will deserve the lion’s share of the credit.

About Andrew Mason

Andrew Mason has covered the NFL since 1999, when he worked as an editor on NFL.com when the site was managed by ESPN.com. He worked six seasons (2002-07) covering the Broncos on their official website and two (2008-09) on the Panthers' site. He began MaxDenver.com in 2010 and now contributes to CBSSports.com, The Sporting News and The New York Times.